Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, July 5, 2009 – Dominican Republic and Slovakia both failed to make it to the top eight round of the 2009 Girls’ Youth World Championship, but still poured all they had in a determined effort of clinching the first win in the championship. Slovakia fulfilled their dreams by beating the Dominicans in grueling five sets 25-23 23-25 25-17 14-25 15-11. In the opener, Dominican Republic raced to the commanding 18-13 lead, with Marianne Fersola Norberto producing sharp spikes at the post. Slovakia clawed their ways back to close the margin 18-18. Nikola Radosova’s well-placed serves helped Slovakia advance to 22-20 and stormed on to win the hard-fought set 25-23. The Dominicans still gained the upper hand initially in the second set, which they took the lead 13-10 and stretched it to 21-16. Slovakia hit back fiercely to come close at 20-21. However, the Dominicans showed how far they had come. They improved on their spiking and blocking to take the set 25-23. Slovakia performed superbly in the third set to lead all the way. After producing a solid defence and a series of spectacular spikes, the Slovakians claimed the set without much trouble 25-17. The fourth set turned a one-sided battle when the Dominicans came up with the superb form to win the effortless set 25-14. The decider was initially dominated by Slovakia as they took the lead 12-9. Dominican Republic tried hard to narrow the margin, but their attempts were in vain. Slovakia continued their great form to win the set 15-11 and the match.